HomeMy WebLinkAbout05120111 Correspondence
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Blanchard, Jim E
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Phil Gettum [phil.gettum@gettum.com]
Wednesday. August 16, 2006 1 :21 PM
Blanchard, Jim E
Permit # 05120111, 10850 Cornell St., Notice of Correction, 8-15-06
Jim-
I have a problem I need your help with. We received a copy of the above referenced Notice
of Correction this morning from the homeowner. This is in regard to a final inspection for
a remodel we did at that address.
There were two things sited:
#1. Failure to put a handrail on an auxiliary stairway to a storage area over an ~~.~
unfinished detached garage. /tJ ~,ij"~A\-
Although we have no real problem putting a handrail on the stairs to the storage area Yn
the garage, I do question where that requirement exists in the code. Section #R309 as
amended along with its added TABLE R309 specifically states that Footings, Floors,
Exterior walls, Girders & Headers, Roof Systems, Electrical, Water/Sanitation, Permanent
Heat and number of stories for detached structures must comply with the IRe. As they
should, no problem. However, with in that section, R309.5.2 specifically states that when
a HABITABLE ROOM exists within a detached structure that structure must comply with
Section R311 Means of Egress. Again, no problem.
But by statute, if a habitable room does not exist within the structure, the converse must
also apply. Thus, no requirements exist for stairways or their hand rails in a detached
structure. If this had not been the intent of the code, then it would not have been
necessary to specifically address the situation of habitable and non-habitable spaces and
when these requirements do apply. Furthermore, if the intent had been to regulate access
to non-habitable spaces in detached structures, which would include garage attic storage
spaces, then there would logically be regulations governing the use of pull down attic
stairways which access the exact same spaces.
Therefore our contention is that no requirements exist for stairways, handrails or egress
doors within detached structures that do not contain habitable spaces. Please advise.
#2. Structure was occupied.
This structure was not occupied when we left the site. However, in all fairness to the
homeowner, we failed to adequately communicate the DO NOT PUT A BLOODY THING IN THE SPACE
until after the issuance of the Occupancy Permit. There were some extenuating
circumstances however. Under contract the painting, floor covering and bath accessories
were "by owner" and not included under our contract. We normally like to wait until these
items are completed before calling for the final inspection, as this usually also includes
a final draw from the bank. As is our normal procedure, we asked the owner to call us when
he was completed with his items and we would order the final inspection. Which we did.
However, because Mr. and Mrs. Allman took almost three months to get all their "by
homeowner" tasks completed, they went ahead and put their stuff in their garage, bathroom
and closet. We take full responsibility for not getting their signatures in blood
acknowledging the DO NOT OCCUpy provisions. In fact, because Carmel is the only
jurisdiction enforcing such a requirement, I can not state with any assurance that we even
told them not to put their belongings in the spaces.
We failed to do our job.
Here is where I need your help. I asked Mr. Chris Miser(sp?) the inspector, if someone
from our company could meet the inspector at the Allman residence and move any items that
would impede a final inspection. After some conferring with his fellow inspectors he
informed me that I would have to tell the homeowners to completely remove all items from
the remodeled areas.
I recognize the need to be able to do a proper
circumstances, I hardly think the homeowner is
interpretation, especially when we have agreed
of aiding his/her access.
inspection. However, under the
being well served by this harsh
to accompany the inspector for the
purpose
I am asking you to consider my request for some modification to the original decision. We
will provide access to the space, move anything impeding a thorough inspection and we will
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NEVER ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN AGAIN.
Thank you for tolerating my begging and groveling and the spirit in which it is offer~d.
Thanks,
Phil
Phil Gettum, CGR, GEl, CAPS
President
Gettum Associates, Inc.
4984 West Smith Valley Road
Greenwood, Indiana 46142
317-888-5681
317-888-5734 FAX
1-866-234-7465 Toll Free
http://www.gettum.com
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